Cutting tool locating device for forming an opening in a gear

Abstract

A cutting tool locating device for a forming an opening in a gear includes a guide member configured and disposed to be fixedly connected to gear mounted to a shaft, and an alignment puck moveably mounted to the guide member. The alignment puck includes a bushing configured and disposed to align with a recess formed in the shaft.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cutting tool locating device for forming an opening in a gear:
 a guide member configured and disposed to be fixedly connected to a gear coupled to a shaft; and   an alignment puck moveably mounted to the guide member, the alignment puck including a bushing configured and disposed to align with a recess formed in the shaft.   
     
     
         2 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: a base member configured and disposed to fixedly connect to the gear, the base member including a surface for supporting the guide member. 
     
     
         3 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 2 , further comprising: a coupler member having a mounting feature configured and disposed to secure the coupler member to the shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 3 , wherein the guide member include a central opening having an annular step, the coupler member nesting within the central opening and resting upon the annular step. 
     
     
         5 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 4 , wherein guide member is fixedly connected to the gear through the coupler member. 
     
     
         6 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 2 , wherein the base member includes first and second clamping ears configured and disposed to fixedly connect the base member to the gear. 
     
     
         7 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the guide member includes a first flange defining a first guide track and a second flange defining a second guide track, the alignment puck being moveably mounted to the first and second guide tracks. 
     
     
         8 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 7 , wherein the alignment puck includes a mechanical fastener, the bushing being secured to the alignment puck through the mechanical fastener. 
     
     
         9 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment puck includes a mechanical fastener configured and disposed to lock the alignment puck relative to the guide member. 
     
     
         10 . The cutting tool locating device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: a cutting tool configured and disposed to pass through the bushing to form an opening in the gear. 
     
     
         11 . An inlet guide vane (IGV) assembly for a turbomachine comprising:
 an airfoil portion;   a shaft member extending from the airfoil portion;   a gear mounted to the shaft member; and   a cutting tool locating device comprising:
 a guide member fixedly connected relative to the shaft member at the gear; and 
 an alignment puck moveably mounted to the guide member, the alignment puck including a bushing configured and disposed to align with a recess formed in the IGV assembly. 
   
     
     
         12 . The IGV assembly according to  claim 11 , further comprising: a base member supported by the gear over the shaft member, the base member including a surface for supporting the guide member. 
     
     
         13 . The IGV assembly according to  claim 12 , further comprising: a coupler member fixedly mounted to the shaft member, the coupler member joining the guide member to the base member. 
     
     
         14 . The IGV assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the alignment puck includes a mechanical fastener, the bushing being detachably mounted to the alignment puck through the mechanical fastener. 
     
     
         15 . The IGV assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the alignment puck includes a mechanical fastener configured and disposed to lock the alignment puck relative to the guide member. 
     
     
         16 . A method of locating a cutting tool for forming an opening in a gear, the method comprising:
 positioning a guide member over a gear coupled to a shaft;   mounting an alignment puck to the guide member;   aligning a bushing provided on the alignment puck relative with an opening formed in the shaft;   locking the alignment puck and guide member relative to the gear;   inserting a cutting tool element through the bushing; and   forming an opening in the gear that aligns with the opening in the shaft.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the opening is formed in an inlet guide vane gear positioned at a lower portion of a compressor casing adjacent a support structure. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein locking the guide member includes:
 positioning a coupler member in a recess formed in the guide member;   abutting the coupler member with a step section extending about the recess; and   connecting the coupler member to the shaft.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein locking the alignment puck includes passing a mechanical fastener through the alignment puck into contact with the coupler member. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein locking the guide member includes clamping the guide member to the gear.